Should You Wear Sunscreen on Airplanes?

With all the things you need to think about before a flight, sunscreen usually isn’t at the top of the list. But those cabin windows offer less protection than you think, especially if you’re a fan of the window seat. 

“Airplane windows don’t completely block UVA rays, which are the ones that penetrate glass and accelerate aging,” says Marnie Nussbaum, a board-certified dermatologist. “Plus, at 30,000 feet, UV exposure increases due to a thinner atmosphere, so SPF is an absolute in-flight essential.”

The only real exception, she adds, is on long-haul flights where the shades stay closed the entire time.

Here’s what you need to know about sunscreen on flights, one of the best ways to protect against ultraviolet radiation.

High Altitude Matters

At cruising altitude, ultraviolet radiation exposure is more than double what it is at sea level. Airplane windows block most UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. UVA rays, which have a longer wavelength, are more closely associated with skin aging and inflammation.

“While airplane windows can block some UVB rays, they don’t eliminate exposure entirely,” Nussbaum says. “UVA rays, on the other hand, can be transmitted through these windows, causing DNA damage that leads to collagen breakdown, premature wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer.”

Seat assignment also matters, and Nussbaum says the window seat exposes you to more UV rays than the aisle, since it’s closer to the exposure. Even on cloudy days or on flights when you don’t feel the sun’s heat, keep in mind that the rays are still reaching your skin.

The more you fly, the higher the risk of skin damage from UV exposure. In fact, Nussbaum says that pilots and cabin crew experience about twice the incidence of melanoma as the general population. “At higher altitudes, the thinner atmosphere and closeness to the ozone layer mean greater UV exposure,” she says.

Choose the right sunscreen.

For frequent travelers, Nussbaum recommends making sun protection a daily habit. “Applying a daily antioxidant-rich serum and a mineral-based SPF is critical for protection and prevention,” she says.

Cabin air is notoriously dry, with humidity levels often dropping below 20 percent. To combat that, find a sunscreen that can protect you from UV rays and the dehydrating effects of flying. Look for formulas that have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. Cream-based sunscreens are generally more moisturizing than gel formulas, too. 

Going Beyond Sunscreen

Sun protection is only one part of Nussbaum’s in-flight skin care strategy. “Drink a ton of water and apply a moisturizing serum and barrier cream before boarding,” Nussbaum says. “Mid-flight, I like to mist on soothing hydrators like hypochlorous acid and aloe vera—and never, ever skip lip serum.”

So, the next time you’re about to hop on a flight, consider booking an aisle seat—or you could take a few minutes to apply sunscreen before you step onto the plane.